Guardians ad litem; duties further provided for

This bill updates the duties of guardians ad litem in Alabama juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases to better protect children's interests. It requires these legal representatives to meet with children and foster parents before court hearings, explain legal proceedings in child-friendly language, and conduct ongoing investigations into a child's well-being. The law mandates regular reviews of case progress, participation in service plan development, and filing documents to address delays or noncompliance. Additionally, guardians ad litem must receive appropriate training before appointment and may represent multiple children from the same parent or both a minor parent and their child.